In Croatia, you can do a lot or intentionally very very little. The ambitious crowd can climb staircases in Dubrovnik and hills on the Marjan Peninsula in Split. But the people who want to do as little as possible on vacation can lie by the beach, only getting up to grab another drink from a bar that’s just steps away.
Regardless of how you plan your Croatian adventure, you’ll still have a great time, especially if you add some of the ideas on this list of the 10 best things to do on the coast. There’s a lot more than 10 things to do in Croatia, but this list compiles some of the best from snorkeling under natural wonders to visiting ancient palaces.
Explore the old towns of the coast
Most cities in Croatia each have their own old town with limestone plazas, photogenic clock towers, and small alleyways that lead to grand staircases. On the map, the old town neighborhoods are called “Stari Grad,” which translates directly to “old town” in Croatian. The most quaint and picturesque old town is in Dubrovnik, but Split’s old town is dynamic with a palace wedged in the middle of it.
Walk Dubrovnik’s iconic city walls
The biggest attraction in Dubrovnik, and maybe all of Croatia, is Dubrovnik’s famous city walls. These walls once protected the medieval city but you can now walk along them as if you were a soldier guarding the city. They became wildly popular after they were featured in Game of Thrones but they’re famous in their own right for the spectacular views of the orange rooftops and Adriatic Sea.
It costs 40 euros per person to walk the city walls. While the price is steep, it is worth it. Your ticket to the city walls also includes entrance to the Lovrjenac Fortress, which also has great views. Go early in the morning around 8 a.m. to beat the crowds and the heat.
Marvel at Diocletian’s Palace in Split
The most well-preserved palace from the Roman Empire is Diocletian’s Palace in Split. It’s free to enter because there’s no way to close it off. The palace is a sprawling compound that connects to many city streets in the middle of old town. You’ll likely pass through it on your way to get dinner or to the ferry, but make sure you dedicate time to exploring each part.
Spend the day at the beach
In Croatia, the word beach is a very loose term. A slab of concrete next to the sea can be considered a beach. Locals will lay out and take a dip just about anywhere along the coastline. Most beaches are rocky, so don’t expect white sand beaches. What makes the beaches magical is the water. The Adriatic Sea has a higher salinity content than most bodies of water, so you can easily float for hours.
ThatPlannerFrend Tip: Order water shoes from Amazon before your trip and pack them in your suitcase, so you don’t overpay in a tourist shop.
Plan for a beach day in Split where there are plenty of proper beaches accessible from the old town. Kasjuni Beach and Bene Beach are both great options on the Marjan Peninsula. Hvar also has great beaches, but the best ones are hard to access via car. If you go on a private boat tour, your captain can take you to hidden beaches.
Drink and people watch at a beach bar
Where there’s a beach, there’s a beach bar. Shacks along the beach are some of the best places to enjoy a drink by sea. You can watch cliff divers from Buža Bar in Dubrovnik or jump in yourself at Lucky Bar in Cavtat. Most beach bars are also an excellent place to watch the sunset.
Eat fresh seafood and local produce
The best part about a European vacation is typically the food. While Croatian cuisine isn’t my favorite, you can get incredible produce at farmers market for the freshest beach snacks. The figs and peaches are especially delicious. In Hvar, visit the Hvar Green Market near the bus station before you go out on the boat or beach. Do the same in Split but at the outdoor Pazar near the eastern edge of old town. (Pazar means market in Croatian.)
Being by the ocean has its perks. Croatia is home to amazing seafood. The best places to get fresh seafood at a restaurant on the Dalmatian Coast are Konoba Fetivi in Split and Macondo in Hvar. Ask for the local fish of the day — it won’t disappoint.
Visit neighboring islands
The Dalmatian coast encompasses 79 islands. The most popular island of them all is Hvar but some other great islands to visit are Lombok, Brač, Korčula, and Vis. Lombok is the easiest to get to and spend the day at. It’s an uninhabited island where you can hang by the beach and explore the gardens. It’s a 15-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik with a ferry taking people from Old Port every 30 minutes.
Go on a private boat tour
There’s no better way to explore the coast than by boat. A private boat tour is an unforgettable way to spend the day at sea. Book a boat day with Liberty Tours to snorkel by the red rocks, visit a seaside winery, and explore small islands.
Swim under the red rocks of Hvar
On the southern coast of Hvar, limestone cliffs with a reddish hue dive into the blue Adriatic Sea. The contrast between the colors is beautiful, and it’s a great place for snorkeling. Even if you don’t go on a private boat tour, you should take a tour to see these rocks that are only visible from the ocean.
Take a day trip to a national park
Croatia has beautiful national parks that are best known for their waterfalls and emerald pools. The closest park to the coast is Krka National Park. It’s only about an hour drive from Split, making it an easy half-day trip. There are plenty of small tour groups on Airbnb Experiences or Get Your Guide that will take you to the park and other sights inland. We booked this day trip with a small group. The other popular national park in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes National Park, but it’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Split.
Planning a trip to Croatia? Check out The First Timer’s Guide to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.
Reply